If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion sauce served over soft egg noodles make for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a simple but soul-warming dinner, these beef tips will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a delicious punch together. Each element plays an essential role, creating a luscious, flavorful sauce and tender beef that melts in your mouth, while the noodles bring just the right amount of softness to balance the dish.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose tender cuts for melt-in-your-mouth texture that slow cooking enhances.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: This simple mix adds deep onion flavor and seasoning magic.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Provides the creamy, earthy base sauce that ties all flavors together.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Keeps the beef moist and infuses the sauce with savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a subtle tang that elevates the beefiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a gentle warmth and depth of flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers just enough kick to balance the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water: Used for thickening the gravy to luscious perfection.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The tender noodles catch the savory sauce with every bite for ultimate comfort.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by adding the beef tips, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to blend all those wonderful flavors without breaking up the beef chunks. This step sets the foundation for the incredibly rich and savory sauce that will form as the beef cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking is the secret to turning your beef tips supremely tender, allowing them to soak up the flavors and become wonderfully juicy. You’ll come back to a pot full of irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth beef goodness.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to transform your cooking liquid into a thick, silky gravy that clings beautifully to the beef and noodles. Cover and cook for the remaining time, letting the sauce reach the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the gravy thickens, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside, ready to be the soft, comforting bed for your savory beef tips.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve generous spoonfuls of the beef tips and luscious gravy over the cooked egg noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness and color that brings the whole dish to life.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or chives not only brighten up the presentation but add a subtle hint of freshness that balances the creamy richness of the dish. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also press up the flavors wonderfully before serving.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a pop of color and freshness. A crisp side salad or roasted root vegetables will complement the creamy beef tips and provide textural contrast to round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef tips and gravy in individual ramekins atop a bed of noodles, making for a cozy, elegant presentation perfect for dinner guests. You can also layer the beef over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of noodles for a delicious variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making next-day reheats just as delicious. Be sure to store the beef and noodles separately if possible to keep the noodles from getting overly soft.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the beef tips to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze the beef tips and gravy separate from the noodles. They can be frozen up to 3 months, making this dish perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners in the future.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Gently warm the beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat noodles separately by briefly soaking in hot water or microwaving with a splash of water to restore softness. Then combine before serving for a fresh, comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin tips or stew meat work best because they become tender during slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts that dry out easily, and consider searing the beef first for extra flavor.
Is it necessary to use the onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix adds a wonderful depth of seasoning that complements the beef and mushrooms. If you prefer, you can substitute with your own blend of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and herbs.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first if desired, then cook under high pressure for about 35 minutes. Use the cornstarch slurry afterward to thicken the sauce.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional and perfect thanks to their tender, chewy texture. Wide or medium egg noodles hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with pappardelle or fettuccine for a fun variation.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when serving leftovers?
To keep noodles firm, store them separately from the beef and sauce. Add noodles only when reheating or serving. This approach maintains their texture and makes for a more enjoyable meal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this delicious Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate and can turn any hectic day into a cozy dinner moment. The ease of prepping it in the crockpot combined with the incredible flavors makes it a winner every time around. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef cooked low and slow with savory onion soup mix and creamy mushroom soup, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days, this slow-cooked meal delivers rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Noodles and Garnish
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, add the beef tips, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook Beef: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender and flavorful, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Thickener: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the gravy, cover again, and cook for the remaining time.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the tender beef tips and rich gravy over the prepared egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional but enhances the depth of flavor.
- This dish is freezer-friendly and can be made in advance for convenient meal prep.
